Radio starting and control switch circuit



July 23, 1 4 R. B. FOSTER RADIO STARTING AND CONTROL SWITQHCIRCUIT Filed Sept. ,14, 1937 I N V EN TOR. 05E175 5575a ATTORNEY Patented July 23, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Robert B. Foster, Los Angelcs, Calif., assignor to John B. Smiley, New York, N. Y.

Application September 14, 1937, Serial No. 163,787

13 Claims.

My present invention relates to a starting and control switch apparatus, and particularly to improvements over Patent No. 2,075,809, issued April 6, 1937, for Control apparatus for radio receiving sets, and improvements over my copending patent application, Serial No. 120,016, filed January 11, 1937, for Time control switch mechanism.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to provide a starting and control switch circuit-or apparatus for radio receiving sets, whereby the set may be automatically started by ordinary house current, or direct or alternating current, and whereby, when the set is started, said 5 current is immediately converted into the desired direct current and utilized for energizing the set, and whereby the set is also automatically adjusted to the predetermined station.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of an alternating current operated set, which provides at the designated time, direct current for a station finder switch circuit for closing the circuit to an alternating current motor for operating the switch and the condenser of the set.

Still another important object is to provide an apparatus of this class whereby a radio receiver, by only one setting, or by the plugging in of only one cord, and when connected to either alternating or direct current, may be automatically started and adjusted to the desired or predetermined broadcast station, the radio receiver operated until automatically or manually shut off, or the operation for the same or other broadcast station continued or repeated as often as desired or predetermined before or at the time of the original reception or setting.

A further important object of this invention is the provision of manual switches whereby the set may be manually controlled and adjusted, as

desired.

An object of this invention also is the provision of a relatively simple and economical apparatus and hook-up for performing these functions or in obtaining these results and such an apparatus and hook-up which is positive in its action, and one which will not readily get out of order.

With these and other objects in View, as will appear hereinafter, I have devised an apparatus of this class having certain novel features of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and portions as will be hereinafter described in detail, and particularly set forth in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawing and to the characters of reference thereon, which form a part of this application; in which:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view of my apparatus, showing some of the parts iragmentarily in elevation, and showing other parts in perspective and partly broken away to facilitate the illustration; and,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the station finder switch, the section be- 10 ing taken at 2 2 of Fig. 1.

My automatic starting and control apparatus, which I have termed a circuit, is applied in this instance to a conventional radio receiving set A, showing, for the purpose of illustration, only'a 15 rotary variable condenser I, an alternating current transformer 2, and a dynamic or loud speaker 3. The shaft 5 of the condenser is connected, as diagrammatically illustrated, directly to an alternating current motor 4, which operates 20 a selective tuning means or station finder switch B. The switch B and the condenser, if desired, may be axially aligned and connected, while the motor may be connected thereto through suitable gearing, as shown in U. S. Patent No. 5 2,075,809. The motor is controlled primarily by an electromagnetic switch C at predetermined periods in accordance with a time switch element or control clock. D, as indicated, designated, or direct- 30 ed'by a switch or jack board E. The starting and control of the set or receiver, although initiated by the time switch element or control clock D, is effected primarily by a multiple switch mechanism F. 35

The radio receiving set, shown and described, may be connected to and operated by either alternating or direct current, but I have described the same as operated by ordinary alternating electric current, such as the conventional 40 volt domestic electric current. I have shown the two leads from an alternating current generator G connected to a multiple block G, these leads being referred to, for convenience, as leads 6 and 'l. 45

The selective tuning means or station finder switch 13 illustrated, consists essentially of a rotary disc H and a concentric stationary disc [2, the rotary disc I i carrying an insulating strip 3 and the latter a plurality of electric contacts 14 insulated from each other by the disc [2 and arcuately spaced to correspond to the broadcast station spaces on the dial (not shown) of the tuning condenser I. Consecutive contacts are also radially spaced, for convenience of location 55 on the disc E2. The contacts it normally and resiliently contact the disc ll, but are sequentially insulated therefrom by the insulating strip it as the disc H is rotated. The portion of the strip 53 adapted to engage the contacts I4 is narrow, presenting in substance, an edge or hairline, but it is slightly wider than the engaging ends of the contacts l5. Thus a break in the electric circuit between a particular contact l4 and the plate Ii is made, but a contact is againmade by only slight rotation of the disc H, produced by the momentum of the disc H.

The electro-magnetic switch mechanism C comprises a magnet or coil 25 and an armature 22 which carries a plurality of three flexible switch members 23, 2d, and 25, insulated from each other and from the armature. The latter switch member is permanently electrically connected, that is, when the switch it is closed, through the coil with a source of energy, which consists, in this instance, of the transformer 2. When the coil is deenergized, the leaf or member it normally engages a contact 2? which is connected by wire 28 with a brush .29 which normally engages the periphery of an insulating member, such as a fibre disc 55!, mounted on the minute shaft 3201" a time switch or control clock D. Thisdisc has four equal-arcuately spaced notches ti into which the free end of the brush 2?! may drop during the rotation of the disc. When the brush drops into a notch it engages a grounded finger 3E]. The grounding of the finger 3t, however, is efiected only at predetermined periods, as will be describedhereafter, For this purpose, it is connected, by a wire 38*, to an arm it, mounted on but insulated (not shown) from the hour shaft of the clock D. Thus the circuit to the coil 2! is completed and the armature attracted, but energizing of the magnet, instantly breaks the aforementioned circuit. Such energizing of the magnet causesthe switch member 25 to engage another contact 4! which is connected by wire 32 to the switch arm fi l, above mentioned.

The clock D carries a plurality of contacts it circumferentially elongated and circumferentially spaced about the axis of the clock, and spaced at fifteen minute intervals with respect to each other. These contacts d3 form, with the contact arm it, holding switches. Each of the contacts 43 is connected by a wire 65 to a separate jack at in the portion E of the jack board E. This board is shown provided with one jack for each 15-minute interval during a 12-hour period.

The jacks 36 may be connected by cables or cords 55 with jacks 52 on the portion E of the panel or board E. Each of the latter jacks is connected by a wire 5 to a separate contact Id on the stationary disc 52. The disc H is grounded, and effects the ground previously referred to in connection with the finger 3d. The other terminal of the transformer 2 is also grounded. Thus, at the designated time, and with the proper connections by the cords 5i, the circuit will be continued through the magnet, holding the armature 22 in the attracted or dotted line position.

-'As the armature is attracted by the magnet the dynamic or loudspeaker 3 is disconnected by the switch member 22, which breaks the circuit 6! to the loudspeaker. At the same time the circuit from the generator G to the motor 5 is closed, as will be described hereafter. This rotates'the disc it until the insulating strip 53 engages the contact M which corresponds to the broadcast station or tuning condenser marking desired and to which the condenser is moved by the motor.

The multiple switch mechanism F, illustrated,

consists of spring switches H, l2, l3, and "M, in-

which, when the radio receiver is off, theswitch H is normally closed while the other switches are normally. open. The condition of these switches is simultaneously reversed, that is, switch ii is opened while the others are closed, by an operating device or rocking bar 75 which is pivoted at the-opposite ends of its upper edge and is adapted to engage with its lower edge the free end portions of the movable members of the above switches. The bar is rocked to opposite positions by an on-magnet Hi and an off-magnet 'l'i. The former, when the radio receiver is turned on, reverses the switches from their normal positions, that is, it opens the switch H and closes switches'lil, it, and 14. The latter magnet ll is the err-magnet and returns the switches, or as shown, allows the switches to return, to their normal positions. 7

' One end of both switches H and 12 is connected by wire it to lead 6. The other ends "of both switches are connected by wires 19 and 80 respectively to one end of magnets 16 and 11. The other end of magnet 76 is connected by wire at to the revoluble disc ll of the station finder switch B. Since the two discs are in constant electrical connection, except as hereinafter described, a circuit will be established through the station finder switch B and the time switch D at the time predetermined by the time switch. This circuit with the time switch D to the other lead '5 is completed by the wire 82 connected to the flexible finger 29 of the clock D.

The energized magnet 75, by the alternating current circuit just described, operates or reverses all of the switches, breaking such circuit through the switch H and the magnet 16. The closing of the switch 73 completes an alternating current circuit through Wires 86, 81, and 88, en-

ergizing the primary 2 of the transformer 2,

which excites the secondary 2 The secondary is connected by wire 89 to the switch i l. Closing of the switch M also completes the circuit through the secondary and establishes a direct current through the wire 90, and, as-described above, through the coil 2|, wire 2, flexible switch member 25, contact 27; of the magnetic switch C, wire 28, switch members 2% and 3t and the arm M and a contact 43 of the time switch D, one of each of the wires 55, jacks d6, cables 5i, jacks 52, wires 54, and contacts i i, the latter on the stationary'disc l2 of the station finder switch B, and thence to the revoluble disc H which is grounded. The other direct current terminal of the transformer is also grounded, as described.

It will be here noted that the current between the two discs H and i2 is broken or remains broken only for an instant. The slight momenturn of the motor and connected moving parts carries the movable disc sufiiciently far that the circuit, broken by insulating strip, is again completed by the engagement of the particular contact with the plate ll.

When the coil 2| is energized the switch member 25 engages the contact 41, sending a direct current through wire 42' to the arm 44, also through the switch 14, and thereby holding the armature 22 of magnetic switch C.

The attraction of the armature 22' causes the switch member 24 to break the circuit through the wire Bl to the loud speaker 3, while the switch member 23 completes an alternating current circuit through the wires 9|, 92 and 93 to the motor 4 which operates the condenser and the disc ll of the station finder switch B. The loud speaker 3 and motor 4 are effected only indirectly by the switch 14 of the multiple switch F.

The return of the armature 22 breaks the motor circuit and again establishes the circuit through the loud speaker 3.

When the switch 12 is closed, a circuit is established between lead 6, wire '18, and wire 80 to the ofi-magnet 11. This magnet is connected by a wire IOI to a plurality of sockets or jacks Hi2, one or more of which are connected by cables I63 to the desired jack 46, which is connected to one of the contacts 43 of the timing switch D. At the desired or predetermined time, an alternating current is established through the clock, wire 82, and the alternating current lead 1.

In the drawing, I have shown the variable tuning condenser I adjusted to correspond to the position in which the insulating strip [3 engages the contact I4". Such adjustment is shown as having taken place at 12 oclock. Assuming the radio set as having been turned ofi, say manually by means of switch H3, and set to be turned on again automatically at 12:15, a circuit will be reestablished through the wire 82, time switch or clock D, station finder switch B and wire 8|, energizing magnet 16 and rocking bar 15, closing switches l2, l3, and 14. The closing of the switches 73 and 14 will cause a direct current to pass through the magnet 2|, break the loud speaker circuit, and direct an alternating current through the motor, which will rotate the condenser! and the disc ll of the station finder switch B until the insulating strip l3 engages the contact l4 connected to the jack 32 which has been connected by a cable 5| to a jack 45" connected to a contact 43 designating l2:15 on the clock D. If the radio receiver has not been turned off at 12:15, switch H remains open, and magnet '16 cannot be operated, but switches 13 and 14 remain closed, permitting only the coil 2| to be energized, the armature 22 to be attracted, the dynamic speaker 3 to be disconnected, and the motor 4 to be operated the predetermined amount. The breaking of the circuit by the insulating strip [3 breaks the circuit through the Wire 42 and allows the armature 22 to assume its original off-position. Because the switch 13 is closed, the receiving set is energized and continues to receive a program over the designated broadcast station. When the reception is continued to the predetermined time designated by a cable I03, connecting one of the jacks I02 with the designated jack 46, connected to the clock, the off-magnet T! is energized, reversing the condition of the multiple or cooperating switches and returning them to their normal off-positions, which breaks the switch '13 and deenergizes the receiving set.

If it is desired to dispense with the automatic feature applied to the radio receiving set, I have provided a button HI which connects by a wire H2, the lead 1 with the on-magnet 16. By an instant depression of the button, the on-magnet i6 is energized throwing the multiple switches to their on or reverse positions, and connecting the receiving set to the current.

If it is desired to diespense with the automatic shut-ofi, or if it is desired to turn ofi the radio receiving set at any time, a button H3 is depressed. This closes a circuit, through wires H4, off-magnet I1, and wire 18, to the alternating current line, rocking the bar 75 and returning the multiple switches to their normal oiT-posltions, as shown by solid lines in Fig. 1.

Though I have shown and described a particular construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and portions, I do not wish to be limited to the same, but desire to include in the scope of my invention the construction, combination, and arrangement, substantially as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a circuit of the class described, the combination with an alternating current source, of an electro-magnetically controlled switch mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and the others normally open, means for shifting the switches to their normal off positions, and a second means for shifting the switches to their reverse oronpositions, one lead of the current source connected through the first switch to the second means, a radio receiving set, an alternating -current transformer for the receiving set, a circuit connecting the transformer to the current source through one of said other switches, a condenser for the set, a station-selecting switch synchronized with the condenser, a motor for operating the condenser and the station-selecting switch, a time control switch, a magnetic switch having a control magnet, an automatically variable circuit-connecting said second means, through the station-selecting switch and time control switch, to said other lead of said current source, for operating said second means and shifting said other switches to their on positions, and thereby energizing the magnet of the magnetic switch through said transformer and through another of said other switches of said mechanism, and a circuit for the motor, the latter circuit being closed when the latter magnet is energized.

2. In a circuit of the class described, the combination, with an alternating current source, of an electro-magnetically controlled switch mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and the others normally open, means for shifting the switches to their normal off-positions, and a second means for shifting the switches to their reverse or onpositions, one lead of the current source connected through the first switch to the second means, a radio receiving set, an alternating current transformer for the receiving set, a circuit connecting the transformer to the current source through one of said other switch s, a'condenser for v the set, a station-selecting switch synchronized with the condenser, a motor for operating the condenser and the station-selecting switch, a time control switch, an automatically variable circuit connecting said second means through the station-selecting switch and time control switch, to said other lead of said current source, for operating said second means and shifting said other switches to their on positions, a magnetic switch having a control magnet, a circuit for said control magnet, the latter circuit being connected through another of said other switches to said transformer and said time control switch, the magnetic switch closing when the former circuit becomes energized, and a circuit for the motor, the latter circuit being closed when the latter magnet is energized.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means, of a station finder switch and a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a time switch, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and the others normally open, an electromagnetic switch, an automatically variable circuit connecting the time switch, through the first switch, to the current source and thereby reversing the multiple switch and closing the electro-magnetic switch through one of the other switches, a motor circuit for conmeeting the motor to said source through the magnetic switch, said motor, when the motor circuit is closed, rotating the tuning means and station finder switch, said station finder switch being connected in series with the electro-magnetic switch when the last mentioned switch or the multiple switch is closed, said station finder switch, when operated a predetermined amount, opening the electro-magnetic switch and disconnecting the motor from said source said radio receiver being connected to said source through another of said other switches of the multiple switch when the latter is reversed.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means and a transformer for energizing the receiver through said source, of a time control switch, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, one normally closed and the others normally open, means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal ofi-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through one of said other switches, a second means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said time control switch being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch of the multiple switch for reversing the switches, a magnetic switch, a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit closed by said magnetic switch, and a circuit for the magnetic switch adapted to be closed through another of the other switches of the multiple switch when the latter is reversed and thereby closing the motor circuit.

5. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means and a transformer for energizing the receiver through said source, of a time control switch, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, one normally closed and the others normally open, means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal off-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through one of said other switches, a second means for-shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said time control switch being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch of the multiple switch for reversing the switches, a magnetic switch, a station finder switch and a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit through the magnetic switch, and a circuit for themagnetic switch through the station finder switch adapted to be closed through another of the other switches of the multiple switch when the latter is reversed, thereby closing the motor circuit, the circuit for the mag netic switch being broken by the station finder switch when the latter is operated a prede termined'amount by the motor.

6. In a circuit of theclass described, the combination with an alternating current source and a radio receiving set having a variable condenser and an alternating current transformer,- of a station finder switch and motor synchronizedwith the condenser, a time switch, a multiple switch, comprising a, plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and the others normally open, a magnetic switch, a motor, circuit closed by said magnetic switch and an automatically variable circuit connecting the current source through the first switch of said multiple switch to said time switch and thereby reversing the multiple switch and causing the current source to be connected through a second switch of the multiple switch to said radio receiving set and thereby causing the transformer to be connected through a third switch of said multiple switch to said time switch for operating the magnetic switch and thereby connecting the motor to said current source.

7. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means, of a station finder switch and a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a plurality of on-switches, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and the others normally open, an electromagnetic switch said on-switches being adapted to be connected through the first switch to the current source, thereby reversing the multiple switch .and closing the electromagnetic switch throughone of the other switches, a motor circuit for connecting the motor to said source through the magnetic switch, said motor, when the motor circuit is closed, rotating the tuning means and station finder switch, said station finder switch being connected in series with the electromagnetic switch when the last mentioned switch of the multiple switch is closed, said station finder switch, when operated a predetermined amount, opening the electromagnetic switch and disconnecting thev motor from said source, said radio receiver being connected to said source through another of said other switches of the multiple switch when the latter is reversed.

8. In an apparatus of the class described, thecombination with a current source and a radio receiver having .a tuning means, a transformer adapted to be connected to said source, a plurality of O1'l-SWitChBS, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, one normally closed and the others normally open, means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to theirnorm'al off-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through one of said other switches, a second means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said on-switches being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch of the .mul tiple switch for reversing the switches, a magnetic switch, a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit closed by said magnetic switch, and a circuit for connecting the transformer to the magnetic switch and adapted to be closed through another of the other switches of the multiple switch when the latter is reversed and thereby closing the motor circuit.

9. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a currentsource-and a radio receiver having a tuning means, a transformer adapted to be connected to said source, a plurality of on-switches, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, one normally closed and the others normally open, means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal off-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through one of said other switches, a second means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said onswitches being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch of the multiple switch for reversing the switches, a magnetic switch, a station finder switch and a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit through the magnetic switch, and a circuit for connecting the transformer to the magnetic switch through the station finder switch and adapted to be closed through another of the other switches of the multiple switch when the latter is reversed, thereby closing the motor circuit, the circuit for the magnetic switch being broken by the station finder switch when the latter is operated a predetermined amount by the motor.

10. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means, a plurality of on-switches, a multiple switch comprising a plu-- rality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and a second, third, and fourth switch normally open, means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal elf-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through the second switch, a second means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said on-switches being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch for reversing the switches, said radio receiver being connected to said source through the third switch when the multiple switch is reversed, a magnetic switch, a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit closed by said magnetic switch, and a circuit for the magnetic switch adapted to be closed through the fourth switch when the multiple switch is reversed, thereby closing the motor circuit.

11. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means and a transformer for energizing the receiver through said source, a plurality of on-switches, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and a second, third, and fourth switch normally open, means, connected to the source ahead of the transformer, for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal off-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through the second switch, a second means, also connected to the source ahead of the transformer, for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on-positions, said on-switches being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch for reversing the switches, said transformer being connected to said source through the third switch when the multiple switch is reversed, and thereby energizing the radio receiver, a magnetic switch, a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit closed by said magnetic switch, and a circuit for connecting the magnetic switch to the transformer through the fourth switch when the multiple switch is reversed, thereby closing the motor circuit.

1 In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means, a time control switch, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and a second, third, and fourth switch normally open, means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal cit-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through the second switch, a second means for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said time control switch being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch for reversing the switches, said radio receiver being connected to said source through the third switch when the multiple switch is reversed. a magnetic switch, a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit closed by said magnetic switch, and a circuit for the magnetic switch adapted to be closed through the fourth switch when the multiple switch is reversed, thereby closing the motor circuit.

13. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a current source and a radio receiver having a tuning means and a transformer for energizing the receiver through said source, a time control switch, a multiple switch comprising a plurality of cooperating switches, the first normally closed and a second, third, and fourth switch normally open, means, connected to the source ahead of the transformer, for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their normal off-positions in which the first switch of the multiple switch is closed and the others are open, said means operating through the second switch, a second means, also connected to the source ahead of the transformer, for shifting the switches of the multiple switch to their reverse or on positions, said time control switch being adapted to connect the second means to said source through the first switch for reversing the switches, said transformer being connected to said source through the third switch when the multiple switch is reversed, and thereby energizing the radio receiver, a magnetic switch, a motor synchronized with the tuning means, a motor circuit closed by said magnetic switch, and a circuit for connecting the magnetic switch to the transformer through the fourth switch when the multiple switch is reversed, thereby closing the motor circuit.

ROBERT E. FOSTER. 

